An energy hub in Blackburn is set to become a free Santa's grotto.

Utilita, a Smart PAYG energy supplier, will transform each of its dozen high street hubs into a Christmas grotto.

The Blackburn Energy Hub, located in The Mall, will become a festive grotto on December 7.

Children attending the free event will receive a gift and have a family photo opportunity.

Families are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for local food banks.

Gifts will be aimed at children up to the age of 10, but everyone is welcome to meet and take a photo with Santa Claus.

There will be one gift per child, while stocks last.

Uwais Patel, manager at the Blackburn Hub, said: "We’re looking forward to welcoming families and children to our Energy Hub on December 7.

"Excited tots will get an opportunity to take photos with Santa Claus and receive a free gift between 11.30am and 3pm."

Visiting adults will be offered a cup of tea as well as free energy advice to help make their energy spend go further this winter.

Utilita's head of energy hubs, Helen Kyne, said: "We began the roll-out of our Energy Hubs in 2018 across the UK to provide a personal touch to our customer service, helping people to better control their energy usage, as well as supporting various community initiatives.

"During this time of festive giving, we are also collecting items for local food banks, which play such an incredible and vital role in our local communities."